COPD and Increased Physical Activity as a RT Service

When working in rehabilitation, whether acute, sub-acute, or outpatient, COPD is a common secondary diagnosis of many patients. COPD stands for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease which is a is a progressive disease that makes it hard to breathe. Symptoms of COPD include coughing that produces large amounts of mucus, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness.A recent research study published this year examined the association between objectively measured physical activity and all-cause mortality among a national sample of COPD patients, with stratification by inflammatory status. Inflammation has been known to cause increased mortality rate and this study analyzes the effects of physical activity on life longevity.

The results of this study reported that for every 60 min increase in physical activity per day, patients with COPD and elevated inflammation levels had a 31% reduced risk of all-cause mortality. Therefore, the findings reported that increasing physical activity for patients with COPD will increase life longevity.

For recreational therapists providing services in rehabilitation centers, how can these findings be applied to practice? How can these findings help to advocate for RT services in the rehab setting?